Internal-combustion engine



ct. 7, 1930. R. E. DEEBLE l 1,777,400

INTERNAL coMBUsTloN'ENGm Filed Sept. 29, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet l gwuenkoz Oct. 7, '1.930. I R. E. DEL-:BLE 1,777,400

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed Sept. 29, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 gwoefntoc Oct. 1, 1930. R. E. DEEBLE 1,777,400.

INTERNAL coMBUs'rIoN AENGINE -l YFiled Sept. 29, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3" t. 7, 1930. R.'E. DEEBLE v 1.777Q4r00` INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed sept. 29, 1928 4 streets-sheet 4? a cylinder, a stationary piston positioned in Patented Oct. 7, 1930 emr-fen STATES 'PATENT orme nov n. nannte, or Lone BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AssIGNon To DEEBLE Mo'rons LIMITED, 7

'or' LONG BnAoiLoALIronNIA, A conronacrroivTor` CALIFORNIA,

v'INTERNAL-coivnaus'rIoN 4Eivaiivn i Application fled September 29, 1'92.v Serial No. OLIB.

This invention relates to an improved double acting engine capable fof generating an increased quantity of power for a, given weight of machinery andparticularlyto a` 1 in detail refers to double acting engines in which gaseous or liquid fuel s to be used. The double acting principle, of course, can

be utilized in both two-cycle and four-cycle internal combustion engines and for this t3 reason, the invention hereafter described is also applicable to both two-cycle and fourcycle engines.

` VGenerally describechmy invention relates i to an internal combustion engine comprising the cylinder and spaced from an open end thereof, a movable piston mounted above the stationary piston-and provided with a split skirt passing through grooves formed in the ton and the cylinder wall, a connecting rod attached to the 'split skirt of the movable piston beyond said stationary piston, and means for admitting anddischarging gases from le opposed points, in that portion of the cylinder in which the movable piston is reciprocated. A new formof packing, expansible upon the compression of gas'within acylinder is also provided for use between the lopenings in the split skirt of the movable piston.

An object of this invention is to provide an internal combustion engine of the double acting type. y

Another object of this invention is to disclose a double acting internal combustion engine in which means are provided for maintaining a movable piston in perfect alignment with the cylinder walls. .d ed, l

Another object is to disclosel and provide double acting internal combustion engine adapted to generate amaximum quantity of power for a given displacement.

A still further object is to provide new and 3 improved means in a double acting internal Aing rings.

:form of` movable piston.

combustion enginefor sealing pistons against thepassage of gases thereby. K Y 1 Other objects and'advantages of my invention willibecome apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following `detailed "de- 2.

scription of one form of inyinvention, reference being'had 'to the appended drawings in which, for Illustrative purposes, a double acting, four vvstroke cycle internal combustogetlier with a nurn- #L tion engine is shown, berof modifications. It will be understood that the invention is not limited, however, to adaptation and use on four stroke cycle internal combustion engines, but may also be .applied lto the two-cycle engines, such as for example, engines of the Diesel type.

,ln the drawings: y f

Figure l is an elevation partly in section of one cylinder of an internal combustion engine embodying my invention.

figure 2 isfa side elevation, partly in section of the stationary and movable pistons shown in `Figure 1the section being along line 2-2 of Fi ure l.

f Figure 3 is a 'orizontal section taken along line 3-1-3 of Figure 2.

V'Figure 4 is an inverted horizontal section taken alongline 4-'4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a rear elevation oftwo pack- Figure" 6 is a plan \1iew,'p`artly in section,

` showing the two paclring",` rings of Figure 5 'alo-ng line 6^6 thereof, androther rings and wedges used therewith.A

Figure7 is a front elevation, partly insec tion of a'form of stationary pistonand eX- pansion packing,

Figure 8 1s an enlarged sectional viewV of the packing as used upon the piston of Figure 7. Y

, Figure 9 is a side elevation ofa modified formi ofreiip'an'sible packing to be used on a stationary piston, showing the skirt of a movable piston in engagement therewith.,

Figure 10' is a horizontal 'section taken along line`p10 l0 of Fig. `9. v

Figure 11 is a vertical ection through one Ymodified form of arnovable piston.

. Sii) Figure 13 is a plan View taken along line 13-13 on Figure 2.

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic development of an expansible packing which may be used upon a movable piston.

Iligure 15 illustrates a form of movable piston split skirt in position during placement upon a stationary piston.

Figure 16 is an inverted ure 15.

Referring'to Figure v1, theldouble actingv 6 operated by a cam shaft 7 bearing` a cam 8. VA similar valve may also be provided for the intake of fuel into the cylinder or combustion chamber 3. Ignition means, suchV as the spark plugs 9, may be provided in the customary manner.

The cylinder 1 is preferably'provided with an extension 10 andconnected by suitable means to a crankcase or crank housing 11, that portion of the cylinder extension 10 con- .nected to the crank case housing 11 being open thereto. A stationary piston 12 is mounted within the cylinder 1 and extension 10, said stationary piston 12 being connected rigidly to the cylinder eXtensionlO and to the housing or crankcase 11. A combustion port 3 communicates with the cylinder 1 at a point adjacent to the stationary piston 12, ignition means 9', valves 4', etc. being provided in the combustion port 3. Y

vWithin the cylinderV 1 and between the combustion ports 3 and 3, a movable piston 13 is provided, said piston 13 being provided with a split skirt 14 passing through segmental grooves vor openings, preferably diametrically opposed, made in the stationary kpiston 12. A connecting rod 15 is pivotally connected to the split skirt 14 of the movable piston 13 by meansyof a connecting rod bearing 16. The connecting rod 15 is .journaled upon a crankshaft 17 through a'crankshaft bearing diagrammatically illustrated at 18. The crankshaft 17 is rotatably mounted in fixed bearings 19 and leads to a gear train,

propeller shaft, or other means, whereby power may be taken off.

Y Details of construction of the movable and stationary pistons 12 and 13 are shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 12.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it. will be seen that the stationary piston, 12 is provided with a groove or slot 20 adapted to receive the split skirts 14 of the movable pisten 13, so that the movable piston 13 may move upon the stationary piston 12. The

opening 21 formed between the stationary pian View of Fig! of the groove made in said members placed within the bers 28.

joint both between the cylinder extens piston head 12, the movable piston 13 and framed by the split skirts 14, permits fuel or gas to be introduced into the space between the movable and stationary 1piston during operation of the engine. The stationary piston 12 may be connected to the crankcase -11 by means of lugs or a flange 22 adapted to extend into the space between the cylinder extension 10 and the crankcase 11.

As shown in F igure 7, the stationary pis ton m may be provided with a plurality of annular grooves in which expansible piston ings 23may be positioned. Said piston rings 23 may contact with the split skirts 14 of the movable piston ring and between said split skirts, said rings 23 may contact ei:-

vpansiblepacking members 24 and 25 shown .m greater detail in Figures 5, G and 8.

The expansible packing members 24' and 25 may be curved cziteriorly te the diameter of the stationary piston 12 and be provide/. with vertical edges 26 adapted to contact with the vertical edges of the split skirt 14.

The complementary packing members 24 may also be provided with helical or inclined faces 2T upon which Contact between said complementary members 24 and 25 established The packing members 24 and arealse providedV with flanged groove members 28, extending away from the helical or inclined faces 27 beyond the vertical edges 26 so. as to form ears as shown in Figures 5 and 6. A piston ring 29 may be provided adapted to be received in the groove formed by the fianged members 28 carried by the packing members 24 and 25, the ring 2Q being' of appreciable lesser width than the width 28, so as to allow motion of the members 24 and 25 relative to each other upon the incline-d face 27 without bending upon the ring groove formed by the meni- The flanged member 28 carried by the members 24 and 25 may terminate in inclined ends 30 adjoining the inclined or helical face 27. A wedge member 31 provided with inclined `edges' and with a groove ad pted to slidably receive the expansion ring 2Q may "liced between the inclined ends 30 of adjo packing members 24 and 25, so that t pansion force ofthe ring 29 may be ed by the wedge member 31 upon the clined faces 30 of the flange member 1 thereby exerting a separating force upon the adjoining packing members and 254 Such force will. cause the packing members and 25 to contact strongly upon the vertical edges of the split skirt 14 of the movable piston 13 with the edges 2G, thereby resulting in a, tight 1() and the stationary piston 12 and between the stationary piston 12v and the split skirt 14 of the movable piston 13.

lio

The movable pistonl may be provider with a piston head ol any suitable construction. As illustrated in Figure 2, the more able piston 13 may be provided with a removable hollov.T head, slidably received upontlie upper portion oi the split skirt 14. `An inner member' or plug 32 may be inserted Within the split skirt member le, said plug being provided with a plurality oi' recesses adapted to receive a plurality oi flanges 33 carried by the upper portion oif the split skirt 14, The

plug 32 may also be provided With `an exteri orly threaded flange Se Which is screwed into the head 13 of the piston', as indicated at 35. This construction prevents rotation of the head 13 with respect to the split skirt 14 by reason of the flanges 83 and longitudinal displacement of the head With respect to the split skirt lll, is prevented by the threaded connection 35.

lnorder to Vassist piston 13, the chamberV 36 'formed between the pistonhead 13 and the plug 32 shown in Figure 2 may be periodically supplied With .:ooling fluid. Means for accomplishing is may` include periorations or ports 37 made in the sides of the movable piston and with the inner chamber 36., said perforations or ports 37 being in alignment with ports in the'tvalls oiE the cylinder 1. @ne of the ports inthe Walls of cylinder 1 may beconnected by pipe means 38 `vith a source of cooling iluid under pressure, such cooling fluid being preferably, oil.

The opposite port in Wall 01"; cylinder 1 communicating with port 37 on the opposite side oi? the piston head may lead to a pipe ineens 39 through Which the oil fed into cavity 36 in the piston may be discharged. As shown inv Figure 1,.the discharge line 39 leads into the crankcase. By these means, the interior avity 36 of the movable piston 13 is supplied with an injection olf: cooled oil at timed interv said intervals being preferable at the completion of each stroke of ther piston 1.3 Within the cylinder.

The connecting rod may be operably Vconnected to the movable piston 13 by means oi a Wri st pin d() retained in a sleevefll which inay be formed integral with a ring 412 connected to the split skirt 141i ol the movable piston at thelovver end oi said skirt. As shown in Figure 1, the ring i2 may be made with the split skirt le, but in Figure 12 a modified construction isv shown in which the 12 is retained in position Within the split skirts 14; and at the lower end thereof by means oi tap bolts Furthermore, the

lower end of the split skirts 14 may be provided with small llanges all, 'the collar l2 being sprung into position Within the split skirts 14 and then retained by the tap bolt 4,3, or similar means. It is desirable, however, to alwaysV have the Wrist pin 40 lie in such a vertical plane that thethrust is absorbed by upon the Walls of the cylinder.

Vin cooling the movable.

Contact of the surface of the split skirts 14: In vother Words, the longitudinal axisof the Wrist pin should preferably pass centrally through the opening between thev Split Skirts.

The modified forms of movable cylinder y.

head construction are shown in Figures 11 and 1 2. In Figure 11, the entire movable piston head 13 is threadedly retained upon` the upper portion of the split skirts 14, as indicated at 115. ln Figure 12, the movable pis,- ton head 13 is threadedly engaged as shown at 16, to a piston head formed integrallylw'th the lsplit skirts ordinary lexpansion rings are used on the "movable piston, but in Figurev 1, the use of an expansion packing similar to that used on the 14. VIn Figures 11 and c stationary Vpiston and hereinabove described,

is employed. The packing member used on the movable piston shown in Figure 1, comprises a plurality of packing members 457 and 118, a diagrammatic development o'l which is shown in partin Figure 14. The members 47 and` /18 are `curved eXter-iorly to the arc or diameter oi"d the cylinder 1, and are provided With parallel upper and lower edges 49 and 50, the side edges 51 and y5.2 being helical so to allow the portions i7 andflS to slidably move and expand the total diameter made the vpacking ring. Grooved flanged members may be provided on the interior side surface oi the packing members 47 and Ll8,pressure being applied to the packing members .Within the groove formed in the flange members and enteriorly thereof by suitable Vexpansion rings. 7

In Figures 9 and 10., a sliohtly lnodiiied term of stationary piston pac ing construction is illustrated.

The packing herein shown consists of slip rings 53 and 54 adaptedto receive in the opening between the split skirts 1&1. The sliprings 53 and 54: are maintained in expanded position by means of springs 5.5 having their ends 56 embedded in apertures 57, made in the slip rings 54 and 5.3. `Positive outward pressure may be applied to the slip rings 53 and 5i by means oi'expansion rings 58 positioned therebehind. y

The operation oi the apparatus described hereinfwill be evident to those skilled in the art from the hereinabove description. llllith a movable `piston 13 in the position shown in Figure 1, ie., atl the beginning of an upward stroke, fuel may be admitted into the coinbusthe movable and stationary piston. After the fuel has been compressed to the required extent, the mixture of fuel and air contained in the cylinder and combustion chamber 3 may be ignited by means Aof the spark plugs 0r other ignition 9.

The sudden expansion of the ignited gases will cause the piston 13 to move upwardly, such upward movement compressing suitable fuel which had been admitted into the combustion chamber 3, and upper portion of the cylinder 1. Vhen thev movable piston 13 reaches the upper limit of its stroke due to the explosion of gases between said piston and 1 stationary piston 12, the compressed fuel in combustion chamber 3 may be ignited by means of the spark plugs 9 and the movable piston 13 will then be forced downwardly, the waste gases present in that portion of the cylinder between stationary and movable piston being then discharged through a properly 7 timed and now open exhaust valve.

Details of intake andexhaustvalve mecha- `nism have not been shown in the drawings, as vtheir construction and arrangement is wellknown inthe art. The type of packing rings to be used in the movable piston can be varied within wide limits, but the new form of packing adapted to be used between the split skirts of the movable piston and positioned on the stationary piston are preferred.

In order to facilitate placing the movable and stationary pistons in working engagement withl each other, the modifica ion shown in Figures 15 and 16 may be employed. The skirts 14 of the removable head piston shown in Figure 2 are provided with flanges 88, at

their upper ends and connected together by the collar 42 in which the wrist pin 40 is fitted. The skirts 14 may be strained and sprung if it is endeavored to pass the flanges V33 over a stationary piston 12, so I form a joint 59 in the ring 42 at the bosses 41 of the wrist pin fitting, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. This construction enables the ring 42 to be made in two interfitting sections integrally with the split skirts 14 and permits the skirts to be pivoted upon the wrist pin 40 while the movable piston is placed upon the stationary piston. After the flanges 33 are above the head of the stationary piston 12, the plug 32 may be applied and the head threaded on.

Numerous changes and modifications may be made in the construction and arrangement of the various elements shown, such for eX- ample, details of construction of the movable head, cylinder walls (which may be air cooled or water cooled) and the like, without departing from the spirit of my invention which is of the scope of the following' claims.

It will be readily seen that the apparatus described hereinabove discloses simple-` efficient manner in which a double acting two or four-cycle engine may be constructed, the arrangement and combination' of elements making it possible to build a double acting engine in a much more compact manner than any of the double acting engines hereinbefore described. The use of elaborate and troublesome packing glands, piston rods, crossheads, and the like, is eliminated by my construction.

Furthermore, the particular construction and arrangement of elements claimed and described may be utilized not only in double acting engines, but may also be employed in compressors,steam engines and other equipment. For example, one lchamber of the cylinder may be utilized for generating power, while the other chamber is utilized for compression purposes.

l claim:

l. Au internal combustion engine comprisa cylinder, a stationary piston within cylinder spaced from one end thereof, .nidiiial liametrically opposed grooves in said stationary piston and adjoining the. cylinderwalls, a movable piston positioned in the cylinderbetween said stationary pistosi and the other enc.. thereof, said movable 'iton being provided with a split skirt eX- ling thr ugh said grooves in the. stationsten, a combustion and valve chamber con nunicating with the cylinder between l stationary piston and movable piston separate combustion and valve chamber communicatii j with'the end of the cylinder above the movable piston.

An internal combustion engine comp 1ising, cylinder provided with a closure at one end thereof, ak stationary piston within said cylinder spaced from the oren end thereof, diametrically opposed longitudinal grooves in said stationary piston, a movable piston positioned between the closed end of the cylinder and the stationary piston therein, said movable piston being provided with a split skirt extending through said grooves in stationary piston, a connecting rod opeiably attached to said split skirt, a combustion and valve chamber communicating with the cylinder between said movable and stationary pistons and a valved port communi- Aeating with the closed end of the cylinder.

3. ln an internal combustion eneine, the combination of a stationary piston and a movable piston, said stationary piston being provided with diametrically opposed longitudin grooves, said movable piston being Yl with a split skirt, adapted. to be -bly received in the grooves made in said onary piston.

4. ln an internal combustion engine, the combination of a stationary piston provided with diametrically opposed longitudi- ,al grooves made in its outer surface, a movable piston of the saine diameter as said stati ry piston, said movable piston being' provided with split skirt adapted to be slidably received in said longitudinal grooves made in said stationary piston and means positioned between longitudinal edges ot said split skirt and carried by said stationary piston whereby the space between said split skirt is sealed substantially gas-tight. i 5, lin au combustion engine, the combi Y oil a cylinder ovided with a closui me end thereof, a h llow stationary piston within said cylinder spaced Yfrom the *pen end thereof, dianietrically opposed longitudiiuil froo' on surfaces of said stationary pist-on, a movable piston positioned between the Closed end of the cylinder and the statfonary piston therein,l said mov'- able piston being provided with a split skirt 4 d to 'be slidably received in the longitudinal grooves ot said stationary piston, a connecting rod operably attached to said split shirt oi said movable piston within the hollow stationary piston and a segmental shoe packing portion carried by said stationary piston between said split skirts and provided with flanges ensending into said stationary piston cooperating with expansible piston rings carried by said stationary piston.

6.. Ain internal combustion engine comprising, a cylinder provided with a closure at one end thereof, a stationary piston within said cylinder spaced :trom the open end thereof,

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, a diametrically opposed longitudinal groove in said stationary piston, a movable piston positioned between the closed end of the cylinder and the stationary piston therein, said movable piston being provided with a removable hollbw head and split skirt extending 'through said grooves in the stationary piston, a combustion and valve chamber communicating with. the cylinder between said stationary piston and movable piston, a separate combustion and valve chamber communicating` with the closed end of the cylinder, and means vtor passing a cooling fluid through said movable piston.

7. In an internal combustion engine, a sta- -1 tionary piston comprising, a head and a hollow shirt, said head being of smaller diameter than said skirt, diametrically opposed longitudinal grooves made in said skirt, annular piston ring grooves made in said head,` a plurality of segmental packing portions provided with contacting faces at angles to the longitudinal axis of the piston and with grooved itlanges extending thereinto mounted upon the piston betwcensaid longitudinal gr aves, said segmental packing portions and grooved flanges carried thereby cooperating with expansible piston rings carried by said piston.

8. In an internal combustion engine, a stationary piston comprising a head and a skirt,

said head being of smaller diameter than said skirt, 'annular grooves cut in said head, longitudinal grooves adapted `to receive a split skirt of a movable piston cut in the skirt ot said stationary piston, an eXpansible packing carried stationary; head' between said longitudinal grooves, said ex-` pansiblepacking estending4v to the surface of the stationary' piston head and beingA rovided wilth e ges adapted tol form extensions ci? longitud l rooves in said shirt, said espana ale paci ig, cooperating with expansioni carried by said `piston in annular groovs therein andadapted to expand by action of high pressure gases acting upon exposed edges of said packing.

` 9; Ain internal combustion engine comprisrag, a cylinder provided with a closure at one end. thereof, a stationary piston within said stationary piston skirt, a movable piston positioned betweenfthe closed end'of the cylinder and the stationary piston therein,

saidmovablc piston being provided with split skirt adapted to be slidably received in the longitudinal ooves in said stationary piston, a connecting rod operably attached vto said splitskirt, expansible packing means carried by said stationary piston head between said-longitudinal grooves and adapted to eXpand by action of high pressure gases acting upon exposed edges of said packing means, a hollow head carried by said movable piston, openingsv through the walls of said piston leading to the interior of said hollow head, said perforations being made in longitudinal alignment with the split skirts carried by said piston, ports in the walls of the cylinder in .alignment with the ports made in said movable piston, means for supplying cooling fluid under pressure to one of said ports in the cylinder wall and means for discharging Huid from one of said ports in the cylinder wall, a combustion and valve chamber communicating with the cylinder between said stationary piston and mov able piston and a combustion and valve chamber communicating with the closed end of the cylinder.

l0. In a reciprocating engine, the combination of a stationary piston and a movable piston, said stationary pis-ton being-provided with diametrically opposed longitudinal grooves, said movable piston being provided with a removable head and a split skirt adapted to be slidably received in the grooves made in said stationary piston, a hinge-d ring connected to said split skirts and a wrist pin journaled therein, said ring being adapted to hinge on said wrist pin.

1l. In a reciprocating engine, the combination of a movable piston provided with a skirt, longitudinal'openings in said skirt, a stationary piston within said skirt, and an eXpansible shoe packing of segmental form carried by said stationary piston Within the longitudinal openings in said skirt.

12. In a reciprocating engine, the combination of a movable piston provided with a skirt, longitudinal openings in said skirt,

a stationary piston Within said skirt and having a smaller outside diameter than the outside diameter of said skirt, and an expansible shoe packing carried by said stationary -piston Within the longitudinal openings in said skirt, Said shoe packing being adapted to increase the outside diameter of said stationary piston to substantially the Outside diameter of said skirt.

13. In a reciprocating engine, the combi-y nation of a cylinder provided With a closed head, a movable piston provided with a skirt and a Wrist pin assembly Within said cylinder, a stationary bulkhead positioned in said cylinder and Within the skirt', a longitudinal opening in said skirt, a Valve chamber in operative relation to said opening and in constant communication therewith, and a second valve chamber in operative communication With the closed end of said cylinder whereby an expansion chamber is formed on each side of said movable piston.

Signed at Los Angeles, California, this 18 day of Sept., 1928.

ROY E. DEEBLE. 

